Chaplain's Corner: The Heart

February is “Heart Month” when the medical community encourages good cardiovascular health. The month also has Valentine’s Day with the love connection.

The Bible has nearly 900 references to the heart, and usually it speaks to a person’s mind, will and emotions. King David asked God for a clean heart after sinning. Jesus told his disciples to not be troubled in heart because He was going away.

We also are told that the heart is deceitful above all and desperately wicked. Out of the heart come evil thoughts, words and actions. Hearts can also be described as hard, stony, evil, foolish and darkened. The Bible also speaks of a heart that can be broken, heavy or discouraged.

Surely God is pleased when we have a humble, tender, and compassionate heart. Words such as willing, perfect, soft, wise and merry also describe the heart.

Our greatest need is to have a pure heart without which one will never dwell in God’s presence. Thankfully, Jesus came as a sacrifice to give us that pure heart. We are told that with the heart, we believe on Christ and he gives us His righteousness. He gives a new heart, a heart inclined to love and serve God. May we give attention to our heart.